To be ‘out front’ means to be honest. To be visible. To lead.
Since 1987, OutFront Kalamazoo has worked to advance social justice, build coalitions, change hearts and open minds so that all people in Southwest Michigan can live authentically and free from discrimination - regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
OutFront Kalamazoo provides a safe and welcoming environment with a wide range of programs and services. We offer a place to be seen and heard and an opportunity to join with others who desire to live unapologetically, #AlwaysOutFront.
Our Mission
To create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and expressions.
Our Vision
A region that celebrates diversity and embraces equality.
Our History
OutFront Kalamazoo was founded as the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center in 1987 as a non-profit, charitable organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, intersex, 2-Spirit, and allied community in southwest Michigan. From humble beginnings with a Lesbian/Gay Resource Line and a simple two-page newsletter, the organization has grown thanks to our partners, donors, advocates, volunteers, and friends:
• 1992 – Our first Youth Group
• 1997 – Our first office in the CARES building
• 1999 – Our first full-time staff member, Sharon Roepke
• 2005 – Our work was honored by the Triangle Foundation
• 2008 – Our first Kalamazoo Pride was held at Arcadia Creek Festival Place
• 2009 – ONE KALAMAZOO non-discrimination ordinance was passed
• 2017 – Our name was changed to OutFront Kalamazoo and we moved to our current location at 340 S. Rose Street.
Our Board of Directors
J.T. Richardson, President
Regan Hanley, Vice President
Kevin Catlin, Treasurer
Kerry Mulholland, Secretary
Members
Chris Aguinaga
Nadean Knight
Coco Marie
Drue McPhearson
Nicole Ogrin
Frances Vicioso
Employment Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in helping at OutFront! We are not accepting applications at this time.
Meet the Team
Tracy Hall
She/They
Executive Director
tracy@outfrontkzoo.org
Michael Cleggs-Arnott
He/Him
Director of Programs & Outreach
michael@outfrontkzoo.org
Melisa Dalke
She/Her
Director of Operations
melisa@outfrontkzoo.org
Connar Klock
They/Them
Drop-In Center Facilitator
connar@outfrontkzoo.org
Dell Darnell
They/Them
Director of Services
dell@outfrontkzoo.org
Xiaoyi Zeng-Covell
Any Pronouns
Youth Program Coordinator
xiaoyi@outfrontkzoo.org
Ru Hensley
They/Them
Youth Program Manager
ru@outfrontkzoo.org
Ava Dziadzio
She/Her
Special Projects Coordinator
ava@outfrontkzoo.org
Heather Sanford
She/Her
Legacy House Manager
heather@outfrontkzoo.org
Sandra Calderon-Huezo
She/Her
Housing Navigator
sandra@outfrontkzoo.org
Abner Sage
They/Them
Legacy House Residential Support Staff
abner@outfrontkzoo.org
Briiz JB Vicioso
They/Them
Graphic Designer
briiz@outfrontkzoo.org
Katrina Bliss
She/Her
Legacy House Residential Support Staff
katrina@outfrontkzoo.org
Syd West
He/Him
Operations Assistant
syd@outfrontkzoo.org
Axel Rhodinger
He/They
Legacy House Residential Support Staff
axel@outfrontkzoo.org
Ashley Ramey
She/Her
Legacy House Manager-In-Training
ashley@outfrontkzoo.org